Tag

Operation Lone Star

All articles tagged with #operation lone star

politics1 year ago

Texas Proposes Direct Busing of Migrants to ICE for Deportation

Texas is considering a plan to send newly arrived migrants directly to ICE facilities for expedited deportation, marking a shift in its border strategy. This proposal, part of "Operation Lone Star," aims to enhance border security by rerouting state-chartered buses from sanctuary cities to ICE detention centers. The plan has garnered interest from Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, who supports state-led enforcement efforts. Texas officials argue that stricter immigration policies are necessary to restore order at the border.

politics1 year ago

Texas Aligns with Trump on Border Policies, Offers Land for Deportation Efforts

Texas is shifting from a contentious relationship with the Biden administration over border security to becoming a model for the incoming Trump administration's immigration plans. Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, which includes measures like transporting migrants to Democratic cities and setting up border patrols, is being eyed by Trump's team as a blueprint for state cooperation in enforcing immigration laws. This pivot comes amid ongoing legal battles between Texas and the federal government over state-led immigration enforcement initiatives.

politics1 year ago

Trump's Immigration Crackdown Looms: Allies Prepare for Mass Detentions

Donald Trump's proposed anti-immigration policies, including mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship, could significantly impact Texas, a state with a large immigrant population and Republican leadership aligned with Trump. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already invested heavily in border security through Operation Lone Star, and Trump's plans may further involve state resources in federal immigration enforcement. These initiatives could disrupt industries reliant on immigrant labor and alter the lives of millions in Texas.

crime1 year ago

Texas National Guard Member Arrested for Migrant Smuggling and High-Speed Chase

A 26-year-old Texas National Guard member, Savion Johnson, was arrested and charged with human smuggling after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase near the Texas-Mexico border. Johnson, who was on active duty with Operation Lone Star, allegedly attempted to evade a checkpoint and led authorities on a pursuit, during which a migrant fled from his vehicle. He was charged with evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and unlawful carry of a weapon, and the investigation is ongoing. Governor Greg Abbott's spokesperson called Johnson a "traitor and criminal" and stated that he may face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of at least 10 years if found guilty.

crime-and-justice1 year ago

"Texas National Guard Member Arrested for Migrant Smuggling Near US-Mexico Border"

A Texas National Guard soldier deployed to Eagle Pass as part of Operation Lone Star was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a migrant over the U.S.-Mexico border. The soldier, Savion Johnson, faces charges including evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and unlawful carry of a weapon. Authorities used spike strips to stop the soldier's vehicle, and the undocumented person he was trying to transport fled but was eventually apprehended by Border Patrol. Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned the accused soldier's actions, emphasizing zero tolerance for Texans who violate laws contradicting the mission of border security.

immigration1 year ago

Migrants Breach Border Barriers in Texas in Wild Scene

Hundreds of migrants breached temporary fencing on the northern banks of the Rio Grande in El Paso, overwhelming Texas National Guard soldiers before being apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents. The fencing was part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, aimed at preventing migrants from entering the U.S. The incident occurred amidst a surge of about 1,000 migrant encounters per day in the El Paso Sector, prompting the state to install more barriers and instructing law enforcement to arrest migrants for criminal trespass and destruction of property.

militarysecurity1 year ago

"Tennessee National Guard Deployed to U.S. Southern Border Amid Political Tensions"

Tennessee National Guard soldiers are deploying to the U.S. Southern border to provide critical support in addressing rising crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Governor Bill Lee visited the soldiers ahead of their deployment to Texas and committed to deploying two waves of state active-duty soldiers to assist in securing the border, citing the unprecedented border crisis. The soldiers are volunteering for this mission as the federal government fails to act, with other state officials offering their support.

militaryborder-security1 year ago

"Texas Governor Announces 80-Acre Base Camp for National Guard in Eagle Pass"

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the construction of an 80-acre base camp in Eagle Pass for Texas National Guard soldiers deployed for Operation Lone Star, aimed at deterring illegal immigration. The facility will accommodate 1,800 to 2,300 soldiers and provide individual rooms, addressing previous living conditions. The deployment has faced challenges, including pay issues and equipment shortages, as troops assist state troopers in border security efforts.

politics1 year ago

Republican Governors Rally at U.S.-Mexico Border Amid Immigration Standoff

Governor Jim Pillen and Major General Craig Strong of the Nebraska National Guard will travel to Texas to receive a security update on the U.S.-Mexico border and assess additional resources Nebraska can offer to stop the flow of illegal drugs and end the humanitarian crisis. Last year, Nebraska deployed drone operators and National Guard members to assist with surveillance operations and conducted operations alongside Texas authorities to detain those illegally crossing the border.

politics1 year ago

Border Governors Challenge Federal Authority in Operation Lone Star

Operation Lone Star, a multi-agency effort led by Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas National Guard, continues to secure the southern border, resulting in over 496,700 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 38,700 criminal arrests. Texas law enforcement has seized over 454 million lethal doses of fentanyl and transported thousands of migrants to various cities. Governor Abbott has issued a statement asserting Texas' constitutional right to self-defense in response to the Biden Administration's failure to secure the border, while recent highlights include the arrest of a teenage smuggler, a smuggling guide wanted for murder, and the deployment of high-tech surveillance systems by the Texas National Guard.

us2 years ago

Texas Officials' Obstruction of Migrant Aid Efforts in Northern Cities

A CBS News investigation found that Texas officials attempted to disrupt the efforts of nonprofit organizations assisting migrants bused to Democratic-led cities as part of Operation Lone Star, initiated by Governor Greg Abbott to draw attention to the federal government's failure to address the influx of migrants at the southern border. The state agency in charge of the busing program, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, ceased providing logistical information and observing drop-off curfews, hindering the coordination of migrant arrivals. Despite initially viewing the program as beneficial, a nonprofit leader, Tiffany Burrow, ended her partnership with Texas officials due to their actions, which have resulted in nearly 100,000 migrants being transported to cities like Chicago and New York, prompting concerns from local leaders about the impact on their communities.

us-news2 years ago

"Texas Migrant Crackdown Inadvertently Ensnaring U.S. Residents"

Operation Lone Star, a Texas border security initiative, has led to the wrongful targeting of U.S. citizens, including the Ayala family from El Paso, who were aggressively stopped and threatened by law enforcement without cause. The family is now seeking an apology, reparations for damages, and accountability from the Texas Department of Public Safety. With a new Texas law criminalizing illegal border crossings set to increase law enforcement powers, there is growing concern among immigrant and civil rights organizations about the potential for increased racial profiling and wrongful stops of U.S. citizens, particularly those of color living near the border.

politics2 years ago

Federal Appeals Court Orders Removal of Texas' Controversial Rio Grande Border Buoys and Migrant Barrier

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Texas Governor Greg Abbott's floating border wall must be removed from the Rio Grande, stating that migration is not an "invasion." The court agreed with the federal government's argument that the buoys block navigation and pose a threat to public safety. The ruling comes as part of the ongoing legal battle between the Biden administration and Texas over Abbott's Operation Lone Star border security program, which has faced criticism for its enforcement of immigration laws. Texas has 10 days to remove the buoys while the court considers the lawsuit.

immigration2 years ago

"Rising Death Toll: Texas Immigration Crackdown Fuels Dangerous High-Speed Chases"

A report by Human Rights Watch reveals that Texas' immigration enforcement efforts, including the multibillion-dollar Operation Lone Star, have resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including seven bystanders, during high-speed chases over a 29-month period. The majority of pursuits were initiated for minor traffic violations, with speeds often exceeding 100 mph. The report highlights the disproportionate impact on residents in participating counties, where vehicle chases have increased by over 1,000%. Critics argue that the risks associated with these pursuits outweigh the benefits, while supporters claim that the enforcement is necessary to combat human trafficking. Proposed immigration enforcement laws in Texas could further increase high-speed chases, according to Human Rights Watch.

human-rights2 years ago

"Operation Lone Star: Deadly Vehicle Pursuits Leave Trails of Blood in Texas"

Operation Lone Star, a border law enforcement initiative initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, has led to an increase in dangerous and deadly vehicle pursuits in Texas. Pursuits by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, including those of migrants and innocent bystanders. The pursuit policies under Operation Lone Star incentivize reckless law enforcement practices, such as racial profiling and high-speed chases, which put public safety at risk. The program, which has cost nearly $10 billion, violates human rights and fails to achieve its stated goals of deterring migration and combating drug trafficking. Human Rights Watch calls for an end to vehicle pursuits based solely on traffic violations or suspected transport of unauthorized migrants, as well as the cessation of federal funding for Operation Lone Star.